In this bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD talks with Lincoln Bishop James Conley about his recent pastoral letter addressing mental health, his own mental health journey, and the relationship of nature and grace.
People always say they should write to their bishop, but I never have.
I will do so now, because mine deserves to know that he is seen, heard, and loved. If my fellow Pillar readers have one that is, too, please join me in writing them.
I love the answer, “Just tell them the truth.” Our Lord told Thomas “I am the way, and the truth and the life,” and the devil is called the Father of Lies. Not to be too overly dramatic by pointing to these titles, but they are accurate and the truth is what always sets us free. Thank you Bishop Conley for the good example and JD for another bit of bonus, great Catholic Conversation.
This was such an uplifting podcast. I have also experienced mental health difficulties and a significant period of crisis. I am a huge advocate of the right tools for the job, and for mental health that usually includes consulting with a qualified professional. I told my children my therapist was my feelings doctor to help them understand the medical nature of the work I was doing. We wouldn’t deny ourselves insulin or blood pressure medication and should not deny ourselves the appropriate mental healthcare when it is needed.
Prayer and desperate calling to God are essential. I have also found that, in the midst of the worst suffering, I couldn’t really comprehend how to suffer well and truly offer it for others. But now that I am on the other side, God has blessed me with that understanding and opportunity. I suspect this is part of incorporating the wounds as opposed to putting them behind us like your interview with the abuse survivor described.
And really, that is who our Lord is. He comes not to replace but to transform. I read a beautiful essay last week from a Catholic physician and father who suffers with tinnitus and whose beloved daughter suffers with schizophrenia. He spoke about his idea that, in Heaven, it may not be that we experience the removal of these ailments but their glorification just as the risen Lord bears not bloody wounds but glorified ones. It was a beautiful piece.
And this side of Heaven, God uses our struggles to minister to others. He uses a suffering and healing part of the Body to apply its newfound and hard won knowledge to minister to the next ailment in the Body. Sort of like the immune system in our individual bodies. What a beautiful plan from a beautiful God. Please give my thanks and prayers to Bishop Conley for his interview and ministry.
I so admire my Bishop and the way he has lead by example in addressing his mental health (which I have said to him directly before). Really enjoyed this episode ❤️❤️ Sarah Endacott, Lincoln, NE
God bless Bishop Conley!
People always say they should write to their bishop, but I never have.
I will do so now, because mine deserves to know that he is seen, heard, and loved. If my fellow Pillar readers have one that is, too, please join me in writing them.
wonderful interview - thanks to JD and Bp Conley!
I love the answer, “Just tell them the truth.” Our Lord told Thomas “I am the way, and the truth and the life,” and the devil is called the Father of Lies. Not to be too overly dramatic by pointing to these titles, but they are accurate and the truth is what always sets us free. Thank you Bishop Conley for the good example and JD for another bit of bonus, great Catholic Conversation.
This was such an uplifting podcast. I have also experienced mental health difficulties and a significant period of crisis. I am a huge advocate of the right tools for the job, and for mental health that usually includes consulting with a qualified professional. I told my children my therapist was my feelings doctor to help them understand the medical nature of the work I was doing. We wouldn’t deny ourselves insulin or blood pressure medication and should not deny ourselves the appropriate mental healthcare when it is needed.
Prayer and desperate calling to God are essential. I have also found that, in the midst of the worst suffering, I couldn’t really comprehend how to suffer well and truly offer it for others. But now that I am on the other side, God has blessed me with that understanding and opportunity. I suspect this is part of incorporating the wounds as opposed to putting them behind us like your interview with the abuse survivor described.
And really, that is who our Lord is. He comes not to replace but to transform. I read a beautiful essay last week from a Catholic physician and father who suffers with tinnitus and whose beloved daughter suffers with schizophrenia. He spoke about his idea that, in Heaven, it may not be that we experience the removal of these ailments but their glorification just as the risen Lord bears not bloody wounds but glorified ones. It was a beautiful piece.
And this side of Heaven, God uses our struggles to minister to others. He uses a suffering and healing part of the Body to apply its newfound and hard won knowledge to minister to the next ailment in the Body. Sort of like the immune system in our individual bodies. What a beautiful plan from a beautiful God. Please give my thanks and prayers to Bishop Conley for his interview and ministry.
Thank you Bishop Conley. Your pastoral letter is excellent and will help many.
I so admire my Bishop and the way he has lead by example in addressing his mental health (which I have said to him directly before). Really enjoyed this episode ❤️❤️ Sarah Endacott, Lincoln, NE